Chapter Twenty-Four: Borrowing Money

He Yuzhu took the glass without standing on ceremony and downed a large gulp. The fragrance of the liquor instantly permeated his palate, and he nodded with satisfaction.

"Mmm, good stuff! It seems you really went all out today; not only did you cook dinner yourself, but you also bought such fine spirits."

He paused, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. "However, since you’ve been so thoughtful, if you have any requests or need my help with anything, just say it. As long as it’s within my power, I won’t refuse!"

In his heart, He Yuzhu had already guessed the truth. He Yushui’s behavior today clearly meant she wanted to ask for a favor. He didn't expose her, however; after all, siblings should help one another. Moreover, he believed that with his connections and status in the capital, helping Yushui shouldn't be difficult.

"Brother, I have some things on my mind I’d like to talk to you about," Yushui said, gathering her courage.

He Yuzhu was slightly stunned, then laughed. "Oh? That’s a rare sentiment from you. Go ahead, then, but don’t dawdle too long—I’m free right now."

Taking a deep breath as if reaching a decision, Yushui said, "Actually, I hope you can mend your relationship with the Jia family. We used to be so close, but now it’s like we’re strangers, and it makes me feel terrible."

He Yuzhu’s expression darkened. He hadn't expected his sister to make such a request. The actions of those in the Jia family had long since filled him with disgust.

"Yushui, this isn't as simple as you think. The more you indulge those people in the Jia family, the more they will take advantage of you."

Seeing this, Yushui grew more anxious. She knew her brother’s temper well—once he made a decision, it was hard to change his mind. Still, she didn't give up. "Brother, I know you’re angry, but they really are having a hard time right now. Especially Sister Qin; she even came to borrow money from me today. It’s only the beginning of the month and they’ve already run out of rice. We should help them if we can."

He Yuzhu scoffed, his tone filled with disdain. "Borrowing money? She certainly knows how to pick her timing. Did you lend it to her?"

Yushui lowered her head, her voice as faint as a mosquito's. "Yes, I gave her a ten-yuan note."

"You certainly are generous," He Yuzhu shook his head, his tone laced with helplessness. "Fine, don't expect any allowance for the rest of the month."

Hearing this, Yushui panicked. She quickly grabbed her brother’s arm and acted spoiled. "Brother, I was wrong, okay? I just had a moment of weakness. Think about it—I’m a young woman; it’s so inconvenient to go out without any money. Besides, who in the courtyard doesn’t envy me for having such a generous brother?"

Watching his sister, He Yuzhu felt a mix of emotions. He wasn't hard-hearted, but he simply couldn't get past the behavior of the Jia family. He sighed and said, "Yushui, it’s good to want to help others, but you have to choose the right people. Those in the Jia family won't be grateful even if you help them. Tell you what, if you want your allowance back, go and get the money back from Qin Huairu."

Yushui was stunned. She hadn't expected such a demand; it was harder than reaching the heavens. She inwardly lamented her impulsiveness, but since things had reached this point, she had to bite the bullet. "Brother, this... this isn't right. I’ve already lent it to her; it’ll be so awkward to ask for it back."

He Yuzhu remained unmoved, knowing exactly where his sister’s weakness lay. "Suit yourself. Either get the money back, or don't expect a penny for the rest of the month."

Yushui was torn. On one hand, she couldn't bear to lose her allowance; on the other, she was too embarrassed to ask for the money back. She paced back and forth in the courtyard, muttering to herself, "What should I do? What should I do?"

Time ticked by, and before she knew it, it was evening. The sunset cast its glow over the small courtyard, adding a touch of warmth to the space. However, Yushui felt like an ant on a hot pan, pacing in circles.

Finally, He Yuzhu spoke first. "Yushui, how about this: go to Qin Huairu and ask her to write an IOU. Have her write down exactly how much she borrowed and set a deadline for when she must pay you back."

"Also, you are not to lend her money ever again. If you agree to this, I’ll act as if this never happened, and you’ll continue to get your allowance as usual."

The next morning, the siblings sat quietly at the table, enjoying a simple breakfast. Yushui chewed her food, her eyes wandering, seemingly lost in thought. He Yuzhu sipped his porridge slowly, occasionally glancing at his sister with a contemplative look.

When they had finished eating, He Yuzhu finally broke the heavy silence. "Yushui, I’ll wash the dishes today. You hurry up and get ready, then go to the Jia family and handle that business."

Yushui felt a surge of nameless anger. She slammed her chopsticks onto the table, the sharp clatter ringing out, and turned to walk out the door without looking back, her footsteps heavy with dissatisfaction and helplessness.

He Yuzhu watched her back and shook his head helplessly, muttering to himself, "This girl, she’s really been led astray by Qin Huairu; she might as well change her name to Qin Yushui." He knew his sister was kind-hearted, but that kindness often became a tool for others to exploit. Especially with the Qin Huairu family—they were no simple characters, yet Yushui held an inexplicable obsession with them.

With these thoughts, He Yuzhu sighed and continued to clear the table. He knew that making Yushui get an IOU wasn't really about the money, but about teaching Qin Huairu a lesson: that kindness is not meant to be squandered at will.

Meanwhile, at the Jia residence, Qin Huairu sat at the table, holding a pen and writing something with focused intensity. Soon, the large characters for "IOU" appeared on the paper, written in a steady, firm hand.

On the other side, Yushui stood before Qin Huairu, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. She took the IOU, her face showing a hint of apology. "Sister Qin, I was too impulsive this time, adding to your troubles."

Qin Huairu, however, smiled slightly and waved her hand. "Yushui, what are you saying? You borrowed money from me; it’s only right that I write an IOU. There’s no need to be so formal between us."